Tagajo, the political and military center of the ancient Tohoku region.
Experience living Japanese history in Tagajo,
a city with many historical sites and rich nature.
Tagajo is home to the ruins of Tagajo Castle, one of the three most important historical sites in Japan, along with Heijo-kyo in Nara and Dazaifu in Fukuoka. The Tagajo Monument, one of the three oldest monuments in Japan and said to have been visited by Matsuo Basho along the ‘Narrow Road to the Deep North’, is designated as a national important cultural property.
Why not take a tour of the political center of ancient Tohoku region and experience the history for yourself?
Along with the ruins and cultural assets from the Jomon period, Tagajo has many spots where you can connect with nature. In spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at the site of Tagajo Castle; from mid-May to late June, the Tagajo Castle Ayame Garden is in full bloom with 3 million irises of 800 species; and in winter, the snow-covered Kasenuma Park. The Teizan Canal, located on the east side of the city, was built in the Edo period (1603-1868) and stretches 31.5 km from the Abukuma River to Shiogama Bay, making it famous as the longest canal in Japan.
Tagajo Castle flourished as the hub of the Tohoku region. At the Site of Tagajo Castle, a wooden tablet with the inscription kokusho-mai (black mortar rice), a type of ancient rice, has been found. With this historical background, Tagajo started cultivating kodaimai (ancient rice) more than 20 years ago. Today, the Shiro-no-Murasaki brand, which utilizes kodaimai for its rich nutrients, has become one of Tagajo’s distinctive specialties, not only as rice, but also in sweets, sake, and many other products.
In Tagajo, where rice cultivation is the mainstay, vegetables and fruits are also actively grown. Ancient rice (purple-black rice), Chojuro pears, and magarinegi green onions are produced here.
Many greenhouses scattered throughout the city have long been used for the cultivation of flowers and orchids, including the largest orchid garden in Tohoku. Cattleya, orchids, and roses are famous, and particularly popular at markets in Sendai.
In the center of the vast castle grounds, which measure about 900 meters square, there was a government office where important political affairs and ceremonies were held. In ancient times, it was the center of politics, culture, and military affairs.
Ayame Garden is the best iris garden in Tohoku, with thousands of irises spreading out like a purple carpet. The pretty purple flowers bloom in the rainy season, dripping with water.
The Tagajo Ayame Festival is held here every year from mid to late June.
